On Thursday I made a deputation at the North London Waste Authorities meeting to discuss plans for building an incinerator complex in Edmonton. I have called for a pause and review of the project. The evidence is clear, a new incinerator would be a public health risk to residents in Edmonton where we already have a significant issue with pollution.

Evidence from similar facilities around Europe suggests building the incinerator will lead to a dangerous release of pollutants. In addition, the facility would produce as much CO2 as al of London does in two full years during its lifetime. There needs to be recognition that we are facing a climate crisis and business as usual won’t cut it. Instead of investing in huge projects which make the problem worse there needs to be major investment in green alternatives and a renewed effort to increase our rate of recycling.

Enfield Discretionary Fund

Throughout lockdown I’ve been working with local businesses in Edmonton to do what I can to help them and find them the extra support they need to get through this crisis. Importantly, Businesses with fewer than 50 employers are now able to apply for a grant from Enfield Council. The deadline to apply is 15^th July. I’m hopeful that this may be a lifeline for many businesses which are doing their best to stay afloat in extraordinary circumstances. You can apply here.

Racism in Schools

Many constituents, including students, have contacted me to raise the issue of institutional racism in schools. This is a well document problem in our schools but one that does not get enough attention. Black students are frequently put at a disadvantage and we need to do more to correct that. While it’s crucial that the Government takes the lead, individual schools also have a duty to do what they can. That’s why I’m writing to headteachers across Edmonton to find out what action they are tacking to address their students concerns.

Schools Reopening

I know that parents in Edmonton remain concerned about the uncertainty around schools reopening. While some schools have reopened, others have not and it’s unclear that the Government has a coherent strategy to reopen all schools in the Autumn.

Schools must reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. The problem is that has been delayed by the Governments failure to engage with unions, parents, teachers and other stakeholders in the huge effort that is required to reopen our schools in a way that doesn’t put teachers and students at risk. My hope is that the Government listens to criticism and convenes a task force across the Education sector to organise the national reopening of all schools in September. If it fails to take that approach then I do worry about the ability of individuals schools to cope and the consequence that may have on the most vulnerable students.

Windrush Compensation

On Monday we celebrated Windrush Day and remembered the amazing contribution made by the Windrush generation and the terrible cruelty with which they were treated by the Home Office.

A year after the Windrush Compensation scheme was set up the vast majority of applicants are yet to receive a single penny. Many of the victims of the Windrush scandal lost their jobs and homes. Sadly, many have now also lost their lives without ever having been compensated. On Tuesday, I asked the Home Secretary to publish the criteria used by the Home Department to decide compensation claims and announce a deadline by which all compensation should be paid. I was pleased that the Home Secretary said she would publish the compensation criteria but she was unwilling to announce any deadline. I fear that many victims of Windrush may be left in limbo for years to come unless something changes.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest update, if you have any issues that you would like to raise directly with me then please do email  edmontonconstituency@parliament.uk. I’m always happy to help whenever possible.

Kind regards,

Kate Osamor MP